Hang on for dear life

The markets shot up at a dizzying speed Monday, with the Dow soaring 936.42 points. At this point, it may be helpful to treat the financial roller coaster like any other crazy carnival ride: Hold on tight, close your eyes, scream if it helps, and don't brave the ups and downs with a stomach full of funnel cake.

Also on the subject of money: The U.S. Mint's popular state quarter program ends this year when the Hawaii coin is released in November. The program has inspired many new collectors, but it's not the only thing. The jumpy economy is encouraging people to start collecting coins -- under the mattress with the rest of their stash.

If you hear odd moans and groans coming from a Bothell funeral home Thursday, don't worry. It's not ghosts -- it's just the city's second annual chili feed, which the host says will be "indigestively great."

Plus, if you eat enough chili, it won't matter how worried you are about your 401(k), because the only thing you'll be able to think about is your newfound ability to breathe fire.